Class: How to Reach Your Goals!

CLASS: "A 30 Day Time Makeover!"

Do Your "Keepsakes" Make you Smile?

Wendy B - this is something I soooo need right now. I"m floundering in a disorganised state and seem to be running around in circles, getting nothing done. thanks so much for the help....I certainly can use it!

admin - It's motivating to get inspired and take action. Join our Holiday Coaching Calls for more energy and action!

admin - Yes, the Master Gift List saves time when you use it every year to get ideas from prior years of what people liked and where you shopped. Print multiples so you have a final "neat" copy each year.

Mary Osborn - Looking forward to getting organized!

Serena Luithly - Hi! Listening to you now on radio. I just downloaded the Holiday charts. Thanks for sharing!
Thank You!
Serena Luithly

Jean fishbaugh - I really need to learn how to downsize stuff and organize what's left !!

juanita woolace - i am listening to you on wbcl at this very moment and i am pumped about simplifying my holidays

admin - You need routine! To begin a weekly pattern when there is procrastination, get a 3 x 5 card and write down the one thing you do each morning, afternoon, and evening for one full week including trash out, doctor visit, grocery shopping, visit with a friend, etc. You'll begin to see a pattern. Also check the chapter titles of my 30 Day Time Makeover book here: http://www.OrganizingPro.com/30daytime. Live like this is your last year of life and do everything you want to!

admin - Thanks! I always love to have readers encourage their friends to join our Online Community for Coaching, Classes, and free information.

Yvonne Davis - Thank you, Marcia. I am advising my friends and family to follow you on OrganizingPro.com

Yolanda - What to do when there is absolutely no pattern or routine to days? AND both spouses, retired, are procrastinators and time wasters?

Jan Orphan Martinez - Marcia, THANK YOU for helping me pack 6 months worth of clothes into one suitcase! The suitcase (photo with this article) is still organized after a month here. So easy to find my clothing because of the way you taught me. You are the BEST!!! Jan

admin - You CAN make it happen! Turn a pile upside down. Then pick up the first paper and decide if you need it. With a recyle bin nearby you'll be decisive and you can let go of most papers! Also, listen to our Coaching Call for "5 Ways to Get Organized" at www.OrganizingPro.com/summercoaching.

candis morton - I have so much stuff that I am afraid to throw out for fear that I might need it some day. I know, very few things that end up in a file or a pile ever get looked at or needed again. I feel overwhelmed and unable to make it happen......

admin - Good News! My book, Simplify Your Space, walks you Room-by-Room through your home to simplify and declutter. There are diagrams and checklists to show you "How To" and make sure you cover all the bases. AND this spring, likely March 20, I will do a weekly Group Coaching Course taking you through your own home using that book. So get it now and get started. The course will have all the photos. Meanwhile all the "Before and After" photos are in the "Simplify Your Life" DVD and Online Courses, also in the "Store" at OrganizingPro.com.

admin - Desktop Organizers like the picture can be found at Target, Office Depot, Staples, etc. I counted 24 in one store. Find one that you like since they change the style often. Think "functional and pretty" when you choose the front file folder that you will see. Enjoy! P.S. I even bought the Gerber Daisy arrangement at Target all premade. Email me what you end up getting.

Toni R. - Also, is there a section with before and after pictures?
1) I'd love some inspiration!
2) I am about to start a major simplification/organization of our house (one room at a time) and would feel incentivized to share the progress!

Toni R. - Where can I find a desktop organizer like the one in the picture? I'm having a hard time finding one that holds BOTH folders as well as separate compartments for pens, paper clips, etc? Our "paperwork center" is on one of the kitchen counters so I'd like to keep it as contained as possible!!!

admin - Great idea, Laural! Double up & freeze items in November to make December easier.

Laural B. - In October and November, I make make a double portion of soup, casserole, lasagna or other meal. I freeze one for those busy December days. It really helps when unexpected guests drop in or extra events pop up in the days leading up to Christmas.

admin - A family conversation first with your husband about when to go through his will be a start. Give him 2 choices - Saturday morning or Sunday afternoon for example. Likely he'll come up with a better time and tell you which papers to pitch and which he wants to see. For your teen daughters, likely the weekend is good when school pressure is off. Meet them in their room on Sunday night or when they're in a good mood. Keep me posted what times work for them. Yes, don't nag!

admin - Closet organizing systems seem like expensive but they really help! And the company usually helps you maximize your space with diagrams. Keep us posted on how it's going - and give away the cardboard boxes!

admin - Yes, Neat Desk likely has a technical support that you can contact. Check their website. I purchased ScanSnap and their Tech support was on the phone with amazing patience and answered all my questions, so your company should, too. Otherwise try it again and it may go easier.

Margie - Marcia, I always find wisdom in your methods. Here is a problem for me. I purchased the "Neat Desk" a few years ago to help with filing. I wish a Neat Desk expert came with it to get me started on a working system. Any encouraging thoughts?

Yesenia Cuddy - We live in a condo and have regular closets. I would kill to have a walk in closet. Right now we use the second bedroom that's also our home office for storage. It's really pathetic. We keep our seasonal stuff packed in Fresh Direct boxes. We are about to install our new custom closet bought from Toronto, Canada I will surely take these ideas into consideration. Thanks a bunch for your share.

Tess - My problem would be the folders with the "Your Name" on them. One for my husband, one for each of my teenage daughters. Their folders would never get emptied, they hardly pick up their shoes - any good ideas on how to encourage them to help keep us organized and not sound like "crabby mom"?

admin - The 30 Day Time Makeover in the book definitely does that for those that read the 7 minute chapters a day. Don't forget the 101 Time Saving tips, too. It's great to read again and again to "up" your game.

admin - Great idea to have a system for magazines or they become clutter at home. Hospitals, doctor offices, and elementary schools (for making collages) are good places, too.

Tammy - Lol. Andrea, I did the same thing. I borrowed, "Simplify your time" from the library 2 months ago and have kept renewing it. I'm just going to have to buy it. This book has been very helpful. I am incorporating her advice into my job and it is working beautifully. I get compliments on my organization skills and the look of my old/new office every day. I want to get all of Marcia's books. Thank you Marcia!

Tammy - I take my unwanted magazines to the recycling center.

admin - Good for you emailing a reminder to yourself. It works - as long as most of your In-Box is empty or you use capitol letters.

Sam - I'm the most forgetful person in the land, so I always email myself reminders and add a note on my phone. I haven't forgotten anything in...oh...2 or 3 days. wholesale cleaning products

admin - Great Rule of Thumb! I teach that principle that if you put things done, instead of away, you cut your work in half. Go, Mandie!

admin - The Class is an Online Class available now at www.OrganizingPro.com/webinar1.
Email me through "Contact" at my website if you have need help signing up. TheOrganizingPro@gmail.com

Andrea - Just wondering the date this class will be held?
Thank you

Mandie - My rule of thumb is, " Don't put it down, put it away."

Karen - I think the idea is to empty all the folders ASAP. The To Pay folder would be for bills (paid near your payday). The Name folder should probably be kept at no more than 1 inch thick -- remove old items to keep it that size. Everything else could be done the day they are received.

admin - Hi, Kathryn,
The webinar will be recorded so you can get the link to watch the next day. Just register at
http://www.OrganizingPro.com/organizingphotosrendi
Marcia

Kathryn - I am unable to watch the webinar, but am interested in the information provided. Is there another way to get the info? Thanks.

admin - The January Club Class is Fr*ee though you do need to register to get the Call In Information and Time.

sherry keating - What is the cost of this class?

Monica - This is new material, "Live", somewhat different than what is on the DVDs?

admin - That's great Monica that you had the meal planned, how people would help, and then had time to clean up and relax. Well done! Company is the best motivator for getting organized. And we're left with a clean home and great feeling for doing so! Keep hosting people monthly. You're a pro!

Monica - Our Thanksgiving meal was a huge success! It all went so smoothly. I especially like having the serving dishes and serving utensil planned for what was going in them. Made it easy. Had offers of help for putting the food on and it was easy to tell them what goes in what. Everyone enjoyed the food and fellowship! I had help with the clean up with time to relax afterward before needing to lead out at another function. :)

admin - So happy to hear my book helped and you invited a tableful of guests at Thanksgiving! How did it go? You are now ready to use the same menu or alter it for Christmas.

admin - Thanks, Sue! Simplify Your Holiday Season is ready to smooth out anyone's stressful holiday season asap! Go to:
Marcia@OrganizingPro.com/holidays for this and a downloadable Master Gift List and tips!

Sandra - Yes, I liked the refresher on the things to do list. I keep a things to do list on which I try to group activities that are similar (like phone calls or searching on the internet or e-mail or pay bills), but I also find grouping activities according to around a location I need to go to (like market square) very helpful. I like to plan for a day where I have a mixture of activities and try to add enjoyable activities whenever I can like ones I can find at the library to look forward to each day (from a file or flyer or notices) I keep is a great pick me up.

Monica Taylor - For 10 years I haven't done much cooking at home...and especially not serve Thanksgiving dinner. Have always been invited elsewhere. Now it is my turn to bless someone else. Inviting eight to join us on Thanksgiving Day. Your book Simplify Your Holiday Season, and these tips are a blessing helping me organize and prepare for a wonderful Thanksgiving meal!

HoliDAZE? Marcia to the rescue… | Susan Meissner - [...] in by too many details and the tyranny of disorganization. She’s this week releasing an updated version of her holiday organizing book (available on her website for a special sale price) just in time for [...]

Mollie@Kitchen Accessories - Using bins really very useful to organize and put together
each stuff.thanks for the tips.

admin - Theresa, thank you for sharing! Great insight that stress affects the body. We'll all be on the look out for those signs. Thank you for sharing and do take care of yourself, Friend!

Theresa Beddoe - Marcia, thanks for sharing your story. In my case, I never really "felt" the stress, but was storing it all the time in my hips. Now I can barely walk, and my work requires a lot of walking and climbing stairs. My wake up call is being forced into physical therapy. The sign and symptom that we can all acknowledge is the deep concern of loved ones reflecting your stress back to you. I denied being stressed out this time. Next time, I am going to listen to the voices of friends and family who are concerned about me.

Pat Z - Marcia,
I read about your ER experience & can't wait till next week to tell you I sure hope you are feeling better!
Stress really takes a toll on our bodies. Since April,our family have been driving my mom up to the hospital to visit my dad who had two valve replacements and another surgery to try to correct the leakage into the heart. Unfortunately,after a LONG battle, my Dad passed away in August. About 3 wks before, I went to my doctor,letting him know the stress I was going thru and how I didn't think I was handling it well. I was angry and depressed. She prescribed something for me and it helped me deal with my Dad's illness and to handle his passing.
Please take care of yourself!
I remember your speaking at a WOW session and really got alot out of your talk. I ordered three of your books and they have helped me alot!
Pat

admin - Thanks for writing, Christopher! You've put in time and thought how to keep on top of email and I applaud you, especially "that it's worth getting to "inbox zero.""
Best, Marcia

Christopher Battles - Thank you Marcia.
I have get pretty proficient with my email finally. As you said the "Search" feature does wonders. I have a few folders for quick reference that I put things into. Unsubscribing from things is good to do also. They just add up.
I usually have just a few things that are do or "buy"(new album/book) and I leave those things (less than six) in my inbox so I see them when I open them up. For example a friend asked me send her a file off the computer at church, so when I get there I will see the email I sent my self as reminder to do that and will then remove the email.
I like how you said to not make it our To Do list. For many their work/business is done a lot by email, but I have heard that people should ask, "Are you running your business or is it running you?"
Thank you for this message and call to action.
Spending a few hours over a period of time is worth getting to "inbox zero" and then you want to keep it clean. It forces me to take care of that quick response to keep the box clean.
K, bye

admin - Yes, I have a whole booklet on it! Ages and Stages of Getting Children Organized.
It shows you exactly what to teach the kids at what age level. Go to:
http://www.OrganizingPro.com/store

Ashley - Do you have any tip on how to get the kids to stay organized?

Carla - Overwhelming prospect. However, I am on spring break at this time, and cleaning out my closet is one of the goals I stated that I wanted to complete.

Carla - Dotb, I am in the same boat with you. This system for me would end up being another "pile" for me.

Carla - One thing that I can do to help organize my home, is to pickup in the family room (the room that is usually the most cluttered) 15 minutes before going to bed.

Adrienne - These are the BEST tools available! I've tried others and they were so complicated I didn't finish what I started. Thanks, Marcia, for making things simple - and possible to do!

Shawna - I want to purchase the Simplify your Holidays Book. Is that available with the DVD?

Andrea - Love this article...I borrowed simply your time from the library and now i dont want to give it back! These articles are invaluable for juggling family/health/and wealth! thank you

admin - Yes, you can still listen to the free class "Best 8 week plan to Simplify Your Holidays". It is posted on the Home Page under the Christmas Tree photo. Click on "More Info."

admin - Sandra, by all means post it. I give you permission.

admin - Yes! It's online under the "Services" tab with "Classes." You'll love the class and handouts with photos.

Connie Davis - I enrolled for the "Best 8 week plan to simplify your holidays" and something came up at home so I was not able to listen to it. My order number is 186323396. Is there a way to listen to it now?

Kat - I have three sizes of clothes thinking I'll get back into them some day. This article gave me the nudge I needed to get going. Thanks.

Joanne Wong - Can we purchase the webcast discussion you had with Jill? Missed
it and would love to hear it. Thank you! Joanne W

Sandra - Hello Marcia Ramsland:
Your 8 week holiday planner looks great. Have you thought of putting it on yahoo's calendar "i.cal" so people could click on the subscribe button and it would show up as a layer on their own personal calendar?
Yahoo calendar is fabulous, easy to use, check it out if you haven't already.
Sandra

Sharon Paavola - Marcia, Just this week frustration was building over my email and your blog on email tips arrived! I whittled email down to 9 in my inbox this morning. I'll work on streamlining the files next. My daughter is getting married October 7 so I'll do that after everything settles. Always appreciate your get it done ideas! Sincerely, Sharon in CA

SIMPLYoverwhelmed - I am just having a tough time. I hate the mail. It reminds me of all the bills I have to pay and the money we do not have. I just let it sit there until my husband says something. I have a filing sysyem in place of things that I should keep. The problem is when I do I find the time to put the mail in the folders. As soon as I get home I have a baby in the carrier wiggling to get out and an eight year old trying to figure out where is his t shirt for football pratice and I wil not mention the husband who can not find anything either.

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admin - Hi, Wendy,Wow, 80 lb. of high school, college, and four previous jobs out the door is freeing! Organized paper doesn't have to be kept. Congratulations on letting go of the past. We are all inspired by you.

admin - I gleaned many ideas from your class on Midday Connection and am still working through various areas of my house to implement them. Last Saturday I got rid of about 80 pounds of papers stored in my basement that I had saved from high school (40+ years ago), college, and four previous jobs that I held. They were all organized neatly in boxes, but it was time to let them go. Thanks for the inspiration.
Wendy from Wisconsin

kitchen organizer - Clutter Control - Clutter is anything unnecessary or extraneous -- more than a pile of unread magazines or too many knick-knacks. Getting organized means clearing clutter from your mind, heart, and life.

Debber - Marcia . . . I am laughing at myself! When I was working out-of-the-home, I was RUTHLESS about keeping my email in-box EMPTY!!! I actually had a folder for each client (I hate "searching" for names, etc). Now I work from home...and homeschool...and write two blogs...and involved in politics. So there's a lot of variety in the emails that come in. You've inspired me to be as RUTHLESS at home as I ever was at work, because truly? it bugs me enormously that there are almost 100 emails (already answered by not "filed" or "deleted" or moved) in my inbox. And I have two email addies!! (One that is supposed to just be for homeschooling, which is no longer "just" hs-ing stuff; the other is my "work" email). Anyway...I am on a mission to de-clutter and make myself feel good about doing it! Thanks!

Debber - Marcia . . . these ideas are fabulous! I'm pretty well-organized already, but still have some cluttery spots that need attention. Thanks for the ideas--way to get my brain jump-started!!!

admin - Hi, Donna,
The secret with the 5 File Folders is to go through them at the end of the week/month and empty them out. If you keep that habit, they will always be fresh and emptied out.

admin - Hi, Lori,
Make it a family "Party" and get those five kids to help you fold and get it all put away before dinner tonight. Make it a race and see who can fold and put away the neatest and fastest. Winner gets out of doing dishes! :)

admin - Hi, Kay,
Yes, go to the "Store" and look under "Classes." All three of the May Spring Teleclasses are there for signup: Closets, Photo Organizing, and Garage Organizing!
Marcia

Jan Orphan - Thanks Marcia for helping me out even when you were not feeling well. My desk space feels so freeing now and it seems like a burden has been lifted off my shoulders and...I can think more clearly!
You're the BEST!!!

Kay Hargis - Hello, I thought I heard that we could sign up for televised classes (like closets and photo scanning and garage cleasing). How do I do that? Thanks

Lori McDivitt - This is wonderful! With five teens /preteens I have laundry done but sitting in baskets everywhere. I want to throw those baskets away! Thanks for the tips. Lori

Monica Taylor - Thanks for sharing these things, Marcia. I love it!

Tina Slater - Congratulations on your Fox interview. What a great office clean up you did. Great before & after pictures. I'm getting inspired!

Suzy Brown - Wow, that was good!! They gave you a lot of time! And you looked and sounded terrific. SB

Donna - I have never been organized one day in my life. I am ashamed to admit this but 4 years ago when we moved I had enough piles of papers and mail to fill two extra-large plastic bins. We moved them to our new apartment, and they are still sitting in the same spot 4 years later. I dread starting to go through them because I don't have the faintest idea what to do with the stuff once I get it sorted. I don't know what I have to keep and what I can throw out.

Monica Taylor - Yeah! I started with 482 email in my box and got it down to 9 in three hours. Emails went all the way back to 2007. Phew! Thanks for the challenge!

admin - That's so true Marie - once you organize your "space" you can focus on organizing your time and paperwork! Glad you are going to teach Simplify Your Life DVD series and let others experience the joy of getting their lives in order. It's a freeing way to live.

Marie Dale - Yesterday and today I cleaned out and organized my desk drawers. This afternoon I’m doing more work on my files and getting acquainted with my planner. Time management and paperwork are my 2 biggies, now that my home is decluttered...
The planner is working well. I just finished deleting a whole bunch of old (and some new) work emails. It sure feels good / freeing to hit the delete button!
Tomorrow I am starting Simplify Your Life video series (along with the weekly worksheet from your Monday radio show) as an introductory women’s S.S.class, with plans to do a more in depth version with the book and workbook in the fall.
Thanks for your help and encouragement.
Marie Dale, Canada

admin - Wow, nothing in your In-Box! The six hours was worth it and now you have six neat folders to keep your email simple. ...Paying bills now that your desk is clean? Another kudos to you, Andrea! Keep up the good work!

admin - I read your email about, Email Clutter - 10 Tips to Control Your In-Box!I must say it took me 6 hours straight to go through my email and put everything
where it belongs. I have NOTHING in my in-box!!! I have six very organized files with everything I need; at a glance. I LOVE IT!!!! Thank you so much for doing what you do!
Just a small note: The last three weeks I used your CLEAN YOUR DESK-TOP method. I love getting rid of the clutter and having everything in its place. It makes me want to do my bills!!! LOL!
Andrea Velton, Mom & Dental Practice Manager, El Cajon,CA

admin - Hi, Marlene, Once life gets in the way, you can always come back to organizing. It's a journey you continue to take and improve your life anytime you want.

Marlene - I want to thank you for sending me this information ......life has gotten in the way of my
organization in my home......your tips and advice will be used as of today! I will take photos of before and after... thank you
marlene from Upstate New York

Cathy - The picture alone attracted me to your article. I'm going to try to put this to use and clear my desk of "to decide" papers! Thank you for making this so simple!

admin - Hi, Monica, We're all about having fun and the 30 Pound Paper Diet IS a great way to lose weight and have fun. AND it yield a clean office which is definitely easier to live with. Keep at it! Empty the box often.

admin - Hi, Karen, I'm honored that a professional editor and my writing mentor would share my tips! You are the BEST writing teacher and I'm grateful you edited my book Simplify Your Time. I love that book!

admin - Hi, Bonnie,
I'm so glad you got the 10 free Tips when you signed up for my newsletter/blog on the Home page. They are the first steps to start in organizing your life. Thanks for sharing my books as gifts to your friends, too!

Bonnie S. - Thank you so much Marcia for sharing your 10 tips to Simplify Your Life. I have been listening to Midday Connection and taking notes. You are such a Blessing!!!!!! I've been sharing with my friends and co workers. I'm planning on buying all your books and even giving them as gifts! I've just never been taught how to organize before... Thank you. You are such an inspiration! It has help change my life and it feels soooo good!
- Bonnie S., Illinois County Mail Collector

Karen O'Connor - Thinking of you, Marcia, as I share some of your wonderful organizing tips with my writing students. I really like your new web site and your photo is smashing. Wishing you good things.

Monica Taylor - About a month ago I cleaned out some papers from my most used file drawer at work. I thought I had rid myself of all that I could. Two weeks ago I decided to go back and clean up the file some more. I made a box for under my desk that I labeled "30 lb. paper diet" and it is filling up fast! I have more papers in the office that I know I need to toss. I am going through those paper piles and adding to the box. This is a fun way to "lose weight"!

admin - Good point! When you put a paper in "To Decide," make a mental note that the last weekend of the month you go through the file and toss it. This allows you to have time to think about whether you really want to act on it. If you don't act on something in a month, let it go. If you want to save the paper as inspiration, put it in a notebook. But clean the 5 File Folders out at the end of the month - and enjoy clear counter space every day.

dotb - My big problem is not knowing what to do with stuff, so this folder would probably become another big box of papers that have no home.

Sheila in Traverse City, Michigan - Thanks you so much….i enjoy getting them notes and love it when you are on Midday Connection….i have been able to do things NEW and Complete things. Thanks again!

Jackie Johnson - My daughters are now 30 and 26; sad to say, other than their first couple years of childhood, all the years after that, the pictures we took are in a big box, unlabeled and unorganized. The grandchildren are arriving now!!

Karen - I wipe over the shower with a microfibre clothe after I have finished each day & then wipe over the bathroom sink makes the weekly scrub not such a big job.

Renata - * I pick up things that don't belong & redistribute them as I move through the house. Thanks for the great article Marcia! I like the idea of spreading things out over the week :)

Midday Connection “Simplify Your Life” Nationwide Class!

“Simplify Your Life for a NEW Organized You!” (8 Mondays) January 10 & 24, February 7 & 21, March 7 & 21, April 4 & 18 Mondays 10 a.m. PCT/Noon CST Archives at * www.middayconnection.org Are you ready to REALLY get organized and stay that way? With personalized teaching from The Organizing Pro, Marcia Ramsland, […]